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“WINGS OF AN EAGLE”

This piece was created to symbolize the energy and strength of Billy Mills’ legendary victory at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.

As you look as this painting, there are many images on which to focus. Since Billy’s image is the dominant factor, I wanted to introduce metaphor and abstraction into the meaning of his win and the meaning of this painting. 

The circles you see on the lower left of the painting represent the Olympic Rings.  I have deconstructed these elements to allow them to float on the surface.  You’ll also see the bison on the horizon.  This bison has the same shape as the Olympic Rings.  Billy’s Lakota heritage and the respect the Lakota have for the bison is a metaphoric element included to represent the beginnings of his Olympic quest.

The floating people images represent his ancestors who have gone on before him.
 
The eagle’s wing image behind Billy is the anchor for this composition. The feathers in the wings, to me, are not feathers, but the many people in Billy’s life that he has touched. 

Finally, the red outline on Billy’s image was the final touch to the painting. Red to the Northern tribes represents the Good Red Road or Virtue and Values. I wanted this red to be attached directly to Billy as the Good Red Road has been his journey in this life.

Enjoy       Patricia Mills

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